Michelle Cyca
@michellecyca.com
it's "see-sa"
hot takes bureau chief @thenarwhal.ca
writer @thewalrus.ca
adjunct prof @ubcjournalism.bsky.social
journalist, nêhiyaw, mom, roller skater
she/her ✌️michellecyca.com
hot takes bureau chief @thenarwhal.ca
writer @thewalrus.ca
adjunct prof @ubcjournalism.bsky.social
journalist, nêhiyaw, mom, roller skater
she/her ✌️michellecyca.com
it's incredible to contemplate the volume of civic funding and effort spent appeasing:
- people who find the sight of poverty more offensive than evidence-based public health policy
- drivers who think bad traffic is a human rights violation
- residents who recoil from shadows like reverse-vampires
- people who find the sight of poverty more offensive than evidence-based public health policy
- drivers who think bad traffic is a human rights violation
- residents who recoil from shadows like reverse-vampires
February 13, 2026 at 4:53 AM
it's incredible to contemplate the volume of civic funding and effort spent appeasing:
- people who find the sight of poverty more offensive than evidence-based public health policy
- drivers who think bad traffic is a human rights violation
- residents who recoil from shadows like reverse-vampires
- people who find the sight of poverty more offensive than evidence-based public health policy
- drivers who think bad traffic is a human rights violation
- residents who recoil from shadows like reverse-vampires
oops already overtaken by a new favourite: "stabbing murders" in the general vicinity of this proposed school, a concern that buries the lede about the impacted view from a condo that the letter-writer "paid a lot of money for"
![Hi. We live a [address redacted] and with face north towards the proposed school zone location. Not only do we disagree with the extended height, but the location of the school, which is not safe for children. There's been stabbing murders and crime and drug usersin the
area and by putting a school there it's not going make any difference or any safer for families. We paid a lot of money for the view of our condo as most of our neighbours have done also Extending the height will obstruct more of our view so we totally oppose of any extended height of this building and to be Frank putting a school in this area is totally ridiculous as most families do not want to live in an area that's unsafe.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:ynchjaxwjyhlrr4ohmdc3nbq/bafkreidlbft3nepsovcd6lqzusey6fblobb3awkksgiw32chgmjx7uhvfe@jpeg)
February 13, 2026 at 4:50 AM
oops already overtaken by a new favourite: "stabbing murders" in the general vicinity of this proposed school, a concern that buries the lede about the impacted view from a condo that the letter-writer "paid a lot of money for"
reading the submissions to council on approving a much-needed school in Olympic Village as a form of self-harm; my favourite, perhaps, is the argument that school-aged children are a "select minority" who infringe upon the god-given rights of business owners and park users
February 13, 2026 at 4:46 AM
reading the submissions to council on approving a much-needed school in Olympic Village as a form of self-harm; my favourite, perhaps, is the argument that school-aged children are a "select minority" who infringe upon the god-given rights of business owners and park users
it's a universal truth that a public amenity, no matter how important or uncontroversial in nature, will attract the attention of a handful of cranks convinced it will somehow destroy the character of their neighbourhood
Tonight, Vancouver council will have a public hearing for a school 19 years in the making
There's some community opposition to the project — but there's also the bigger question of why it takes the provincial and municipal governments 19 years to approve a single school
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
There's some community opposition to the project — but there's also the bigger question of why it takes the provincial and municipal governments 19 years to approve a single school
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
February 12, 2026 at 6:55 PM
it's a universal truth that a public amenity, no matter how important or uncontroversial in nature, will attract the attention of a handful of cranks convinced it will somehow destroy the character of their neighbourhood
Reposted by Michelle Cyca
We got a little silly for Valentine's Day at @thenarwhal.ca
Our first quiz will help you find your Canadian lovebird!
Hilarious writing by @michellecyca.com and excellent illustrations by @gabrielledrolet.bsky.social !!
projects.thenarwhal.ca/lovebirds-qu...
Our first quiz will help you find your Canadian lovebird!
Hilarious writing by @michellecyca.com and excellent illustrations by @gabrielledrolet.bsky.social !!
projects.thenarwhal.ca/lovebirds-qu...
Valentine’s Day quiz: discover your Canadian lovebird | The Narwhal
Take our Valentine’s Day quiz to find the nest-mate of your dreams — and get a card to share
projects.thenarwhal.ca
February 8, 2026 at 4:42 AM
We got a little silly for Valentine's Day at @thenarwhal.ca
Our first quiz will help you find your Canadian lovebird!
Hilarious writing by @michellecyca.com and excellent illustrations by @gabrielledrolet.bsky.social !!
projects.thenarwhal.ca/lovebirds-qu...
Our first quiz will help you find your Canadian lovebird!
Hilarious writing by @michellecyca.com and excellent illustrations by @gabrielledrolet.bsky.social !!
projects.thenarwhal.ca/lovebirds-qu...
at @thenarwhal.ca, after countless serious (and unserious) conversations among our team about which bird would make the best boyfriend, we have finally produced an extremely scientific quiz to find your ideal nest-mate: projects.thenarwhal.ca/lovebirds-qu...
Valentine’s Day quiz: discover your Canadian lovebird | The Narwhal
Take our Valentine’s Day quiz to find the nest-mate of your dreams — and get a card to share
projects.thenarwhal.ca
February 7, 2026 at 4:03 PM
at @thenarwhal.ca, after countless serious (and unserious) conversations among our team about which bird would make the best boyfriend, we have finally produced an extremely scientific quiz to find your ideal nest-mate: projects.thenarwhal.ca/lovebirds-qu...
if you've never sat in on a trial, I promise it's riveting — come down to the Supreme Court of B.C., courtroom 44, for another two weeks. alternatively, check out Carol's speedy update:
Carol Linnitt, co-founder and editor-in-chief, provides an update on The Narwhal’s court case against the RCMP. Amber Bracken finished cross-examination late Jan. 28. It took more than 12 hours.
To learn more about the trial visit www.thenarwhal.ca/press-freedom
To learn more about the trial visit www.thenarwhal.ca/press-freedom
January 29, 2026 at 7:11 PM
if you've never sat in on a trial, I promise it's riveting — come down to the Supreme Court of B.C., courtroom 44, for another two weeks. alternatively, check out Carol's speedy update:
Reposted by Michelle Cyca
How do you create a regulatory pathway so Canada can implement a non-medical model of safer supply to save lives in the middle of a public health crisis?
Not even the guy who was No. 2 at Health Canada could think of a way. The fed gov makes drug laws, and can’t think of a way to get around them.
Not even the guy who was No. 2 at Health Canada could think of a way. The fed gov makes drug laws, and can’t think of a way to get around them.
Health Canada’s witness in the Drug User Liberation Front’s judicial review trial frustrated the judge and highlighted how opaque and frustrating Canadian drug policy can be.
@michellegamage.bsky.social reports. #bcpoli #DULF
@michellegamage.bsky.social reports. #bcpoli #DULF
‘Very Little Value’: Judge Frustrated by Health Canada at DULF Trial | The Tyee
Justice Catherine Murray said witness Eric Costen appeared to be ‘guessing’ in his responses on the stand.
thetyee.ca
January 28, 2026 at 6:00 PM
How do you create a regulatory pathway so Canada can implement a non-medical model of safer supply to save lives in the middle of a public health crisis?
Not even the guy who was No. 2 at Health Canada could think of a way. The fed gov makes drug laws, and can’t think of a way to get around them.
Not even the guy who was No. 2 at Health Canada could think of a way. The fed gov makes drug laws, and can’t think of a way to get around them.
lord help me, I'm talking about The Economy
Disputes over a hypothetical new pipeline have devolved into a rote debate that pits environment against economy, @michellecyca.com writes. Meanwhile, First Nations in B.C. are demonstrating that protecting the environment creates wealth and jobs: thenarwhal.ca/environment-...
Protecting the environment is good for B.C.’s economy | The Narwhal
Job creation, tax revenue, small business support: why don’t B.C. politicians value the economic benefits of environmental protection?
thenarwhal.ca
January 28, 2026 at 8:48 PM
lord help me, I'm talking about The Economy
hosting your residential school denialism summit in the lobby of a swimming pool... it's giving Four Seasons Total Landscaping
OneBC's Dallas Brodie appears to be holding Residential School denialism meeting in UBC aquatic centre lobby as crowd outside chants "OneBC go home!"
January 23, 2026 at 12:21 AM
hosting your residential school denialism summit in the lobby of a swimming pool... it's giving Four Seasons Total Landscaping
Reposted by Michelle Cyca
Fair bit of a scene at the OneBC event at UBC and the counterevent organized by students.
Close to a thousand people here, mostly drowning out OneBC supporters.
Some pushing and shoving, nothing escalating past that yet it seems.
Close to a thousand people here, mostly drowning out OneBC supporters.
Some pushing and shoving, nothing escalating past that yet it seems.
January 22, 2026 at 7:31 PM
Fair bit of a scene at the OneBC event at UBC and the counterevent organized by students.
Close to a thousand people here, mostly drowning out OneBC supporters.
Some pushing and shoving, nothing escalating past that yet it seems.
Close to a thousand people here, mostly drowning out OneBC supporters.
Some pushing and shoving, nothing escalating past that yet it seems.
an "integrity issue" that will take 3 years to fix has resulted in LNG Canada burning 15 times as much gas as expected and has had a "noticeable impact on the community" — but no penalties yet from the energy regulator. killer investigation by @laurenwatsonjourno.bsky.social & @writermjs.bsky.social
LNG Canada has known there was an issue with its flaring equipment for over a year. While locals raised concerns about noise, smoke and emissions, until now, they didn’t have answers. The Narwhal reviewed more than 2,000 pages of documents for this story: thenarwhal.ca/lng-canada-f... #bcpoli
Equipment issue led to excessive LNG Canada flaring, docs reveal | The Narwhal
LNG Canada delayed reporting ‘integrity issue’ to regulators and never fully informed the public, while locals raised concerns about noise, smoke and emissions
thenarwhal.ca
January 21, 2026 at 5:20 PM
an "integrity issue" that will take 3 years to fix has resulted in LNG Canada burning 15 times as much gas as expected and has had a "noticeable impact on the community" — but no penalties yet from the energy regulator. killer investigation by @laurenwatsonjourno.bsky.social & @writermjs.bsky.social
Reposted by Michelle Cyca
“As we stand outside this courthouse, stepping into five weeks of trial, we know the legitimate right of journalists to do their job, to perform their vital role in our democracy, is at stake.” — Narwhal co-founder Carol Linnitt on our case against the RCMP: thenarwhal.ca/press-freedom/
January 12, 2026 at 6:05 PM
“As we stand outside this courthouse, stepping into five weeks of trial, we know the legitimate right of journalists to do their job, to perform their vital role in our democracy, is at stake.” — Narwhal co-founder Carol Linnitt on our case against the RCMP: thenarwhal.ca/press-freedom/
Reposted by Michelle Cyca
The Narwhal is suing the RCMP to protect press freedom for all Canadians, and our case will be heard in a Vancouver courtroom beginning next week. We’re counting on your support as the case unfolds, so here’s what you need to know. 🧵
January 5, 2026 at 5:20 PM
The Narwhal is suing the RCMP to protect press freedom for all Canadians, and our case will be heard in a Vancouver courtroom beginning next week. We’re counting on your support as the case unfolds, so here’s what you need to know. 🧵
Reposted by Michelle Cyca
We know you know it: quality journalism costs money. That’s why we’re always posting these appeals for your support — it’s not for fun! (For fun, we watch Heated Rivalry.)
But how far does your dollar actually go toward funding our work? We crunched the numbers:
But how far does your dollar actually go toward funding our work? We crunched the numbers:
December 26, 2025 at 4:30 PM
We know you know it: quality journalism costs money. That’s why we’re always posting these appeals for your support — it’s not for fun! (For fun, we watch Heated Rivalry.)
But how far does your dollar actually go toward funding our work? We crunched the numbers:
But how far does your dollar actually go toward funding our work? We crunched the numbers:
one of my favourite books from this past year — honoured to run an excerpt on @thenarwhal.ca today
Writer Julian Brave NoiseCat's new book looks at the ways colonialism has disrupted Indigenous lives, pushing many nations to the brink of annihilation and erasure — as well as the resilience and power of people who continue, writes @michellecyca.com:
thenarwhal.ca/we-survived-...
thenarwhal.ca/we-survived-...
‘We Survived The Night’: the Tlingit fight to protect herring | The Narwhal
An excerpt from “We Survived The Night” by Julian Brave NoiseCat
thenarwhal.ca
December 11, 2025 at 6:03 PM
one of my favourite books from this past year — honoured to run an excerpt on @thenarwhal.ca today
Last December, 82 pedestrians were struck in Vancouver; six people died by car over a three day period this week. There are plenty of proven ways to reduce the risk of injury and death from cars — here's hoping Vancouver takes just one of them!!
Clr Maloney's No Right on Red motion is coming up to council NOW! Will be live-posting here, follow along 🧵
visionzerovancouver.ca/2025/12/04/d...
visionzerovancouver.ca/2025/12/04/d...
Take Action: Restrict Right Turn on Red at High-Risk Intersections
On Wednesday, Vancouver Council will vote on a motion brought by Lucy Maloney to restrict right turn on red at the highest risk intersections for people who walk, bike and roll.
visionzerovancouver.ca
December 11, 2025 at 3:31 AM
Last December, 82 pedestrians were struck in Vancouver; six people died by car over a three day period this week. There are plenty of proven ways to reduce the risk of injury and death from cars — here's hoping Vancouver takes just one of them!!
"When asked if he believed bitcoin is still the greatest human invention, [Mayor Ken Sim] said, “I’m going to get in trouble for saying this, but I do." 💀
I've been wanting to know when the 'Bitcoin Friendly City' report from staff would be presented. It was supposed to happed in the Fall. Now, staff say: "the motion has been deferred until further notice while staff focus their work on other Council priorities."
www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
Vancouver's 'bitcoin friendly city' plan likely to hit provincial roadblocks
Vancouver city council passed a motion Wednesday to make the city “bitcoin friendly,” but it’s likely to meet provincial roadblocks.
www.ctvnews.ca
December 9, 2025 at 4:33 AM
"When asked if he believed bitcoin is still the greatest human invention, [Mayor Ken Sim] said, “I’m going to get in trouble for saying this, but I do." 💀
if the Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry romance lasts, can you imagine the couples post they’ll make on International Women’s Day
December 8, 2025 at 4:31 AM
if the Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry romance lasts, can you imagine the couples post they’ll make on International Women’s Day
the six-year-olds are organizing for better wages (comparing tooth fairy compensation). we must crush this labour movement.
December 7, 2025 at 7:54 PM
the six-year-olds are organizing for better wages (comparing tooth fairy compensation). we must crush this labour movement.
an important & damning record of the impacts of the toxic drug crisis and persecution of unhoused community members — please read!
On Nov 17, North Cowichan displaced ~75 unhoused residents from Lewis Street encampments to a marsh without the promised Ramada shelter open or toilets available.
NEW substack collab by me & @pearlysalts.bsky.social
open.substack.com/pub/jessicap...
NEW substack collab by me & @pearlysalts.bsky.social
open.substack.com/pub/jessicap...
Swept off Lewis Street and Into North Cowichan’s Wetlands
A street sweep on November 17 during a disease outbreak forced unhoused residents into Cowichan’s wetlands. 80 overdoses followed in the next 24 hours.
open.substack.com
December 5, 2025 at 7:00 PM
an important & damning record of the impacts of the toxic drug crisis and persecution of unhoused community members — please read!
INTERNATIONAL WILDLIFE CRIME! and federal species at risk legislation. two equally thrilling topics, together at last, thanks to @moiradonovan.bsky.social
Canada's most lucrative fishery — and a global black market — rely on American eel. But Canada was among the countries who voted against global trade restrictions on the eel last week, and won't list it under the Species At Risk Act, @moiradonovan.bsky.social reports. thenarwhal.ca/american-eel...
Illegal American eel fishing is big business in Canada. Ottawa just voted against protections | The Narwhal
Federal fisheries department also announced American eel will not be listed as a species at risk, despite illegal fishing pressures
thenarwhal.ca
December 5, 2025 at 6:58 PM
INTERNATIONAL WILDLIFE CRIME! and federal species at risk legislation. two equally thrilling topics, together at last, thanks to @moiradonovan.bsky.social
Reposted by Michelle Cyca
Please click on the story about eels! Help @michellecyca.com continue to support environmental journalism about ugly animals that play vital roles in our ecosystems!
Canada's most lucrative fishery — and a global black market — rely on American eel. But Canada was among the countries who voted against global trade restrictions on the eel last week, and won't list it under the Species At Risk Act, @moiradonovan.bsky.social reports. thenarwhal.ca/american-eel...
Illegal American eel fishing is big business in Canada. Ottawa just voted against protections | The Narwhal
Federal fisheries department also announced American eel will not be listed as a species at risk, despite illegal fishing pressures
thenarwhal.ca
December 5, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Please click on the story about eels! Help @michellecyca.com continue to support environmental journalism about ugly animals that play vital roles in our ecosystems!
great explainer by @michellegamage.bsky.social for @thetyee.ca on the constitutional challenge brought by the Drug User Liberation Front, which is being argued in court now: thetyee.ca/News/2025/12...
What’s at Stake During DULF’s Constitutional Challenge | The Tyee
The case’s outcome could affect the founders’ criminal charges, and Canadian drug laws. A Tyee explainer.
thetyee.ca
December 4, 2025 at 5:59 AM
great explainer by @michellegamage.bsky.social for @thetyee.ca on the constitutional challenge brought by the Drug User Liberation Front, which is being argued in court now: thetyee.ca/News/2025/12...
Reposted by Michelle Cyca
On Dec. 13, Tahltan members plan to vote on an impact benefit agreement for Eskay Creek mine, which promises economic benefits for the nation over a projected 12-year lifespan. But some worry about longer-lasting environmental risks, writes @sevawood.bsky.social: thenarwhal.ca/eskay-creek-...
Eskay Creek mine faces make-or-break vote | The Narwhal
Skeena Resources’ Eskay Creek mine in northern B.C. hinges on an upcoming vote by the Tahltan Central Government’s board
thenarwhal.ca
December 3, 2025 at 3:49 PM
On Dec. 13, Tahltan members plan to vote on an impact benefit agreement for Eskay Creek mine, which promises economic benefits for the nation over a projected 12-year lifespan. But some worry about longer-lasting environmental risks, writes @sevawood.bsky.social: thenarwhal.ca/eskay-creek-...